Introduction to Alcorn County, Mississippi
Alcorn County is located in the northeastern corner of Mississippi, sharing borders with Tennessee to the north and the state of Alabama to the east. Established in 1870, the county was named after James L. Alcorn, a governor of Mississippi during Reconstruction. Alcorn County holds historical significance, especially during the Civil War, due to its proximity to key battle sites such as Shiloh. The county’s economic base has traditionally been agriculture, manufacturing, and trade, with the city of Corinth serving as the commercial hub.
The county experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Alcorn County has a population of approximately 37,000 people, with most residents living in the surrounding areas of Corinth, the county seat. The county has a blend of historical landmarks, modern amenities, and rural landscapes, contributing to its unique character.
- County Seat: Corinth
- Number of Cities and Towns: 3 incorporated towns and several unincorporated communities
- Major School Districts: Alcorn School District, Corinth School District
Corinth
City Overview
Corinth is the largest city and county seat of Alcorn County. Established in 1853, Corinth grew quickly as a strategic railroad junction, playing a critical role in the Civil War due to its proximity to the Battle of Shiloh and the Siege of Corinth. Today, Corinth blends its rich historical significance with modern developments, making it an attractive place to live and visit. The city is known for its well-preserved Civil War landmarks, historical museums, and vibrant cultural scene.
Corinth experiences warm, humid summers and mild winters, typical of the southeastern United States. Key landmarks include the Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center, the Verandah-Curlee House, and the historic downtown area, which features a variety of shops and restaurants. The city’s close proximity to the Shiloh National Military Park makes it a popular destination for history enthusiasts.
City Facts
- Population: 14,573 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 716 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 38834, 38835
- Road Network: U.S. Routes 45, 72, and State Route 2
- Nearest Airports: Corinth-Alcorn County Airport, Memphis International Airport (Tennessee)
- Libraries: Corinth Public Library
- Hospitals: Magnolia Regional Health Center
Major Schools
Corinth is served by the Corinth School District. Corinth High School (grades 9-12) enrolls approximately 600 students and offers a wide range of academic programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses and career technical education. The district’s middle school, Corinth Middle School (grades 6-8), serves about 450 students, while Corinth Elementary School enrolls around 700 students in grades K-5. The district places a strong emphasis on academic excellence, arts, and athletics, providing students with numerous extracurricular opportunities.
Rienzi
City Overview
Rienzi is a small town located in the southern part of Alcorn County, along U.S. Route 45. The town was founded in the mid-19th century and named after Cola di Rienzo, a medieval Roman senator, as chosen by the town’s founders. Rienzi has a deep connection to Civil War history, as the area was heavily impacted by troop movements and battles. Today, Rienzi is a quiet, rural community with a rich historical legacy.
Rienzi enjoys a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters. While the town is small, it offers a peaceful, rural lifestyle and a close-knit community atmosphere. Its proximity to larger cities like Corinth allows residents easy access to modern amenities while maintaining a tranquil environment.
City Facts
- Population: 317 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 276 people per square mile
- ZIP Code: 38865
- Road Network: U.S. Route 45, State Route 356
- Nearest Airports: Corinth-Alcorn County Airport
- Libraries: Nearest library in Corinth
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Corinth (Magnolia Regional Health Center)
Major Schools
Students in Rienzi attend schools within the Alcorn School District. Alcorn Central High School, located near Corinth, serves grades 9-12 with an enrollment of around 500 students. The school offers a diverse curriculum, including AP courses, vocational programs, and extracurricular activities such as sports and the arts. For middle school, students typically attend Alcorn Central Middle School (grades 6-8), which enrolls around 400 students. Rienzi students begin their education at Kossuth Elementary School, where they are provided with a solid foundation in grades K-5.
Kossuth
City Overview
Kossuth is a small town located southwest of Corinth. Founded in the mid-1800s and named after Hungarian freedom fighter Lajos Kossuth, the town has a long agricultural tradition and is known for its strong community spirit. Kossuth maintains its rural charm and is surrounded by farmland and rolling hills, providing residents with a peaceful, country lifestyle.
Kossuth experiences a humid subtropical climate, similar to other parts of Alcorn County, with warm summers and mild winters. Though small, Kossuth is home to some notable landmarks, such as the Kossuth Methodist Church, which has stood since the town’s founding, and several other historic structures that reflect its 19th-century roots.
City Facts
- Population: 209 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 225 people per square mile
- ZIP Code: 38834
- Road Network: State Route 2
- Nearest Airports: Corinth-Alcorn County Airport
- Libraries: Nearest library in Corinth
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Corinth (Magnolia Regional Health Center)
Major Schools
Kossuth is part of the Alcorn School District. Kossuth High School (grades 9-12) enrolls around 500 students and offers a range of academic and extracurricular programs, including AP courses and vocational education. Kossuth Middle School serves students in grades 6-8 with about 400 students, while Kossuth Elementary School enrolls approximately 550 students in grades K-5. The schools in Kossuth are known for their strong sense of community and focus on student achievement in academics, sports, and the arts.
Glen
City Overview
Glen is a small town located east of Corinth, near the Tennessee state line. Founded in the late 19th century, Glen has remained a small, rural town with a close-knit community. The town is known for its agricultural roots, with much of the surrounding area dedicated to farming. Glen provides a quiet, rural atmosphere while still being within a short drive of the larger city of Corinth.
Glen experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The town is largely residential and agricultural, offering a slower pace of life for its residents. Glen’s proximity to Corinth allows access to the amenities and services of a larger city while maintaining its peaceful rural character.
City Facts
- Population: 412 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 200 people per square mile
- ZIP Code: 38846
- Road Network: U.S. Route 72
- Nearest Airports: Corinth-Alcorn County Airport
- Libraries: Nearest library in Corinth
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Corinth (Magnolia Regional Health Center)
Major Schools
Students in Glen attend schools within the Alcorn School District. Most students attend Alcorn Central High School (grades 9-12), which offers a range of academic and extracurricular programs, with around 500 students enrolled. Alcorn Central Middle School serves students in grades 6-8, while younger students attend Alcorn Central Elementary School, which provides education for grades K-5. The schools in Glen and nearby Corinth emphasize academic excellence and community involvement, offering numerous extracurricular activities such as sports, band, and agriculture programs.